Appointing special envoy ...
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At present, countries such as China, India, and Pakistan brush aside US sanctions on Iran, but the revival of UN resolutions would bind them to adhere.
The main concern is that once the snapback triggered, the Iran issue would no longer remain limited to disputes with the US and Israel. It could escalate to UN-mandated action under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
On relations with the IAEA, it must be noted that the last resolution by its Board of Governors, though only a warning and not a referral to the Security Council, demonstrated that further reductions in cooperation could pave the way for greater international pressure.
During the previous administration, Iran gradually escalated its countermeasures in response to Western and IAEA actions—higher enrichment levels, advanced centrifuges, limited inspector access, camera shutdowns, and now, parliament’s resolution suspending cooperation with the Agency. These steps, while aimed at resisting foreign pressure, naturally triggered tougher reactions from the West.
The IAEA and its reports by Director-General Rafael Grossi have provided the main pretext for mounting pressure. Yet Iran’s countermeasures, though intended as deterrence, may in practice play into the hands of its adversaries by exposing national interests and security to greater risks.
To weather this crisis, it is recommended that Iran appoint a special envoy mandated by Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and formally authorized by the president. This envoy, working in parallel with diplomats of the Foreign Ministry, could set up fresh initiatives to handle the crisis and head off the snapback mechanism. Such a step, even in the short time remaining, could help prevent mounting pressure or at least keep down their costs.